The team at ZogSports, the nation's largest co-ed adult rec sports league, shares their top tips and tricks for team sport newbies.

It's no wonder why adult intramural sports leagues are quickly multiplying across the nation: They're attracting young professionals who are looking to meet new friends (or, ahem: more-than-friends), and who want to get fit while they socialize. ZogSports, the nation's largest co-ed, adult recreational sports league, currently has over 115,000 participants—up about 10 percent from last year.

While there's a range of intramural sports options out there—from soccer to football to ultimate Frisbee—kickball is particularly great for newbies to the whole team sports situation. It's basically just like baseball, but you play with a big red ball that you kick, rather than a small white ball that you bat. And it's a total social experience, says Chris Corbin, general manager of ZogSports New Jersey. "Experienced players will go out of their way to welcome fresh players into the league."

Interested? Even though skills aren't required, you know your competitive side still wants to do well out there (and maybe even impress the cute guy on third base). So, we spoke to the team over at ZogSports to find out how less-seasoned ballers can improve their skills in time for many leagues' kick-offs this month. Here, how to survive your first kickball game:

Warm Up
Just as you perform a dynamic warm-up pre-run (or at least, you should!), you should get your body in the zone before a game, says Corbin. It can help prevent injury and help you perform better. Try this super efficient three minute warm-up right before hitting the field.

Be an Outfielder
Rather than covering a base, ask for an outfielder position for your first few games. "There will be fewer kicks which make it out that far," says Jody Zellman, who supports each Zog location with their marketing and communications, "and when they do, you'll have a lot of people around you to help you out." Not to mention, you'll have more time to observe the more experienced players on your team (and the opposing team!) so you can steal their strategies and mimic their skills.

Master the "Art of the Bunt"
Bunting means kicking the ball as lightly as possible, and it's the first skill players need to master, says Corbin. "There isn't a more effective way of getting on base than a gentle tap of the ball perfectly placed between the catcher, pitcher, and third baseman," he says. (That way you'll have the time you need to run to first base.) Key tip: Don't make a kicking motion—let the ball come to your foot, and angle the inside of your foot to direct the ball in the direction you want it to go in. Depending on the speed of the pitch, you may want to give the ball a gentle nudge, hold your foot firmly in place, or possibly even pull your foot back if the pitch is really fast.

Keep the Ball Low
When kicking, keep your eye on the ball, run up to it at an angle, and lean over a bit so it doesn't get much air. You want to keep the ball low to the ground; when you pop it up, it makes it way easier for the players in the field to catch it, says Robert Herzog, founder & CEO of ZogSports—meaning it makes it way easier for you to get out.

And, Of Course: Have Fun
The general consensus from the ZogSports team: Kickball is a social sport—it's fun, and it makes you feel like a kid. So the worst thing you can do on the field? It's not making a bad play—it's being a poor sport! Anyone who takes the game too seriously, or who can't laugh at herself, doesn't belong on the kickball field and won't be very popular at happy hour. The gist here: The only thing you should really worry about once you hit the field is having a blast!